Brazil Bound
Reyna Welsch, a standout freshman from Colorado College, has been selected for the USA D‑3 Basketball Blue Team that will embark on a ten‑day tour of Brazil. The squad, composed of eight players drawn from seven different colleges and six home states, will compete in a series of doubleheaders across two of the country's most iconic cities.
The tour officially begins with an orientation session in Orlando, Florida, before the team departs for South America. Once in Brazil, the schedule includes back‑to‑back games in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, offering the athletes a chance to test their skills against international competition while immersing themselves in local basketball culture.
Beyond the matches, the itinerary is packed with cultural and educational experiences. The players will visit landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, relax on Copacabana Beach, and explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Ipanema. In addition, the tour includes stops at schools and sports clubs where the team will engage in community outreach and learn about Brazilian sporting traditions.
For Welsch, the trip represents more than just a chance to play basketball; it is an opportunity to represent both her team and her home state on a global stage. She arrives with a strong résumé, having earned the SCAC First‑Year Player of the Year honor and a spot on the SCAC All‑Freshman Team. Teammates and coaches describe her as a true competitor who puts the team first and brings a high level of skill to every game.
The tour’s organizers emphasize that the experience is designed to foster international camaraderie, enhance athletic development, and provide a deeper understanding of Brazilian life. By mixing competitive play with cultural immersion, the Blue Team hopes to return home not only with new skills but also with lasting memories and friendships.